Hull KR climbed to the top of the Super League with a comfortable victory over Catalans Dragons on day two of the Magic Weekend at Elland Road.
The Robins, who confirmed a play-off spot, scored at key moments and defended well at times, with their quick passing and breakaways themes in a strong performance.
Catalans should have been put to the sword much earlier, but Mikey Lewis only kicked two of eight conversion opportunities.
The Dragons remain in a strong position in the play-off race, sitting fifth, but face Leeds next week needing to get back on track.
Hull took the lead just shy of 14 minutes in, with Elliot Minchella forcing his way over from close range after patient build-up play. Jai Whitbread’s offload was perfectly timed, but Lewis somehow hit the post with his conversion.
Bayley Sironen restored parity in the left corner eight minutes later. Arthur Mourgue, like Lewis, could only strike the post with his conversion from the angle.
Peta Hiku’s 15th try of the season restored Hull’s lead almost instantly. He wriggled through after a superbly swift switch of play, turning Arthur Romano inside out. Lewis again failed to convert.
Hull extended their lead before the interval when Ryan Hall crossed from the tightest of angles. Yet more superb interplay left him very little room, but he made the most of it, before Lewis hit the post with his conversion for the third time.
Lewis’ poor kicking was keeping Catalans in the game, but Minchella added a fourth try just minutes into the second half. He capitalised on an error from the Dragons defence and powered through to score. Lewis got off the mark with the conversion.
The fifth try was not far behind. Hull were ruthless in punishing a loss of Catalans possession, again quickly passing the ball wide and this time it was Kelepi Tanginoa who benefited. Lewis again missed, keeping feint Dragons hopes alive.
The contest was more or less ended on the hour. Jez Litten broke through before finding Dean Hadley, whose audacious offload found Hall, ready to cross for his second try of the game. Lewis missed his kick again, but the floodgates opened.
Tanginoa crossed after exploiting a gap in the Dragons defence to make it 30-4, but Lewis hit the post for a fourth time.
Niall Evalds collected a clever kick from Tyrone May to wrap the game up three minutes from time, and Lewis finally secured a second successful kick.